BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — If there is one track on the NTT IndyCar Series schedule that perfectly suits Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing, it’s Barber Motorsports Park.
In two previous starts on the 2.3-mile, 17-turn permanent road course, Palou has never finished lower than second.
He started third in 2021 and score his first NTT IndyCar Series victory. Last year, Palou once again started third and finished second to Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward.
The 2021 NTT IndyCar Series champion from Spain still knows the fast way around Barber Motorsports Park. He was the fastest driver in Saturday morning’s practice with a fast time of 1:06.2781 for a speed of 124.928 miles per hour in the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.
“We are looking strong,” Palou said. “I’m happy with the car. It’s going to be a tough qualifying here at Barber, but I’m comfortable so far.
“It should be easier with the group splits in qualifying, but in practice it’s more difficult with all the cars on track. We got some good running, and I can’t wait for qualifying right now.”
Three-time Barber Motorsports Park winning driver Josef Newgarden of Team Penske was second fastest at 1:06.5133 (124.486 mph) in the No. 2 Chevrolet followed by teammate Scott McLaughlin’s 1:06.5386 (124.439 mph).
Scott Dixon, who nine podium finishes in 12 Barber races including six second-place finishes but has never scored a win at the picturesque road course, was fourth at 1:06.6090 (124.308 mph) in the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda.
Colton Herta of Andretti Autosport rounded out the top five in the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda at 1:06.6788 (124.177 mph).
Qualifications, culminating with the Firestone Fast Six are scheduled for 3 p.m. Eastern Time later today.
“We love to win, but qualifying is when we get to max out,” said Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Christian Lundgaard, the seventh fastest in Saturday’s practice session.